Laser Engraving

[diarmaid]

Hi. Could anyone tell me how effective cnc laser is for engraving glass. I dont know much about laser but was going to buy a manual kit for glass engraving.
I imagine that manual engraving is a delicate skill that will take a long time to become proficient at and would not be conducive to production therefore Im looking for alternatives. The engraving will be on single pane household window glass.

Would the STDK-4028 machine be suitable at the following link?

http://www.chinaoptronics.com/engraver.htm

Thankyou

[diarmaid]

I forgot to mention, I also wish to engrave mirrors....would the laser machine above be suitable for that?

Thanks.

[diarmaid]

.

[paulC]

Be careful and find out as much as you can about these lasers.
I was looking at buying one (not this manufacturer) then found it had no interlocks, so some major safety issues. There was no second optically safe laser for aligning the machine. You needed to do any alignment with the CO2 laser running. I'm sort of attached to my eyes and fingers and would like to keep things that way. The water cooling was a pond pump sitting in a bucket by the machine.
Get more information and ask specific questions.
Paul

[sidi_steve]

Hey Diarmaid-
got your message from the other thread...

I have one of these little 40w machines from China.
I got mine from here:
http://www.iehk.net/Products/IE300.html
though something similar is sold from here:
http://www.hxlaser.com/en/products/chapter.htm

-
What paulC says is true. There are few safety features.

But, will it work for glass? I just went out to my garage and put a piece of glass in it and tried. Came out pretty good. I did put on 3 pair of saftey glasses (really) because I like my eyes, too. But I am also a bit of a calculated risk taker.

Will it work for mirrors? Hmmm. I certainly would NOT try a front surface mirror, as I wouldn't want to redirect the beam...But I back surface mirror? I dunno. It just might work.

Ask lots of questions and be sure that the company you buy from can answer them in a way you feel comfortable with.

And yeah, the water cooling really is from a pond pump! But it works and is easily replaced...

And as for alignment, you can always start with paper. Once things are cutting where you expect, then just put your glass down on top of the paper. Align. And then engrave on glass. Not elegant, but it works.

Steve

[sidi_steve]

Oh yeah...

What depth are you trying to engrave to? I was able to clearly read my name that I engraved in the glass, but it was shallow. I could feel it, but I would have no way of measuring the depth.

I have felt engraved wine bottles and those were MUCH deeper.

Later, after work, I can try to tell you what the laser was outputting at. Perhaps if I give it more juice, it will go a little deeper...

Steve

[diarmaid]

Thanks steve. I'll check those two links. Im not sure about depth, Im only trying to cost suitable equipment at the moment. Once it will engrave decorative pictures that can be clearly seen I'll be happy.

[diarmaid]

Hi Steve,
I visited your link in the other thread for the the InkExpress IE300 engraver you bought.
On their site it says: "Engraving material size: 200 x 100 x 80mm (8" x 4" x 3.2" inches) / 300 x 200 x 5mm (12" x 8" x 0.2" inches)"

Can you confirm that material 300x200 can be engraved ok with it?

Thanks.

[sidi_steve]

Hello Diarmaid,

Sorry for the delay...that pesky job thing...

So, I tried to locate a tape measure, but only found an 8.5"x11" sheet of paper. I laid that down in the machine and it fit with room to spare. However, it doesn't look like that whole area is engraveable area.

I am willing to do 2 things for ya:
if you send me a file (bmp or jpg), I will try to find a sheet of glass and engrave it for you with your image, then I can send you a picture of it.
I will also try to determine the actual engraving area and the maximum size piece that will fit in the bed of the device.

[PedroS]

Hi Diarmaid

I´ve already engraved images & text on glass and also in mirror.

On plain glass you have to place a layer of wet newspapper for optimal results and less reflection of the beam.

You can engrave in the back of the mirror, but you have to try on several mirrors because they are not all the same, so you have to find one with the back layer as thin and regular as possible, then try engraving at many settings to find the depth you want to engrave on that layer.
I never tried to engrave on top surface but i dont think it´s advisible due to the risk it may carry.

[ViperTX]

Sure would like to see some pics of what you all have engraved. Thanks, Paul

[diarmaid]

Thanks steve,
I dont think theres any need for you to go to the trouble of trying an engraving for me after Pedro's message, but the offer is much appreciated.
If you can determine the max engraving area and size of piece to fit in though, please post it here for us/me to see.